The Ghana Water Limited (GWL) has announced the indefinite closure of its Bonsa Headworks, which supplies 75% of potable water to the Tarkwa-Nsueam Municipality in the Western Region.
This decision, contained in a statement dated January 2, 2025, and signed by Wisdom Doe Akoto, the Tarkwa District Manager of GWL, is a direct result of the severe pollution of the Bonsa River due to illegal mining activities, commonly known as "galamsey."
“The impact of galamsey has rendered the river unsuitable for water extraction and treatment, making it impossible to continue operations,” the statement read.
The company explained that despite repeated efforts to mitigate the pollution and sustain water treatment processes, the deteriorating quality of the river forced the shutdown.
“We have tried all that we could but to no avail, hence the shutdown. The river is still being monitored for acceptable parameters to enable us to restart production, and until then, the plant remains closed,” Mr. Akoto emphasized.
GWL has called on all stakeholders, including local authorities and security agencies, to take urgent and decisive measures to curb illegal mining and restore the river’s water quality.
The closure of the Bonsa Headworks is expected to significantly disrupt water supply to residents and industries in the Tarkwa-Nsueam Municipality, underscoring the devastating effects of galamsey on essential public resources.
GWL assured the public that it is monitoring the river and will provide updates on the situation.
In the meantime, residents have been advised to conserve water and explore alternative sources as authorities work to address the crisis.
This development serves as a wake-up call for intensified efforts to combat illegal mining and safeguard Ghana’s critical water resources for communities and future generations.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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